How to Work with Header Wrap
What is Header Wrap?
Header Wrap it is vermiculite coated texturized fiberglass which is extremely high temperature resistant. Commonly used for automotive and high performance headers and exhausts.Header Wrap reduces under-hood temperatures up to 70%, increases horsepower and fuel efficiency. The wrap works by holding heat within the header, which creates a better exhaust flow. This allows easy removal of spent gasses and creates more airflow to the engine.
Working with Header Wrap for the first time
Wrapping a pipe takes time and concentration. Go slowly, take your time, and be patient. The tighter the wrapping the better hold and less chance of a loose or irregular fit. During the wrap installation, wearing safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask is highly recommended. We also suggest wearing a long sleeve shirt.
Step 1: Soaking Your Header Wrap
To make installation easier and reduce the irritation from fiberglass dust, soak exhaust wrap in bucket of water. Wetting the wrap will make the material more flexible and aid in a much tighter wrap.Make sure you have enough wrap before you begin; use the chart below as a guide to pre-cut lengths of exhaust wrap.
Step 2: Initial Wrap
Start an initial wrap around around the primary tube at the exhaust port (closest to the engine) and secure it with a stainless steel tie or a hose clamp.Continue wrapping, using 1/4" overlap with each pass; keep tension on your wrap and use your hands every two to three coils to tighten the wrap. Remember more is not always better when it comes to exhaust wrap, so overlapping 1/4" is perfect as this allows just enough heat out to ensure performance without damaging exhaust.
Step 3: Securing Both Ends
Where primary tubes become close together, and it is too tight to wrap them separately, wrap both pipes as one while using the same 1/4" overlap. Proceed to wrap the collector securing both ends with stainless steel ties or hose clamps.
Step 4: Clean Up & Enjoy
Please note that smoking may occur after installation and it will eventually stop. This is a normal part of the curing process, and will not result in any damage to the exhaust or the wrap installation.
